Flu Season Directives 

Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt has implemented two directives for the flu season for the celebration of Mass in the Diocese of Greensburg.

The directives, which were agreed upon by the Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania at their fall meeting, were sent to all priests of the diocese, the permanent deacons and parish staffs Oct. 9. They were announced at Masses Oct. 10-11 and are effective Oct. 17-18.

The directives are:

V  The distribution of the Precious Blood for the faithful is suspended.

The “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” (no. 282) and the “Distribution and Reception of Holy Communion under Both Kinds for the Dioceses of  the United States of America” (nos. 15-16) reiterate the faith of the Catholic Church that Christ, whole and entire, is received even under only one species.

Those who suffer with celiac sprue disease may continue to receive the Precious Blood. Extraordinary ministers of holy Communion should administer Communion under this form for such persons and not refuse Communion to any other person who desires to receive in this form.

The reception of Communion on the tongue continues to be a normative practice, and those who desire to receive in this manner may not be refused.

The general suspension of distribution of the Precious Blood has been implemented during flu season because of the epidemic potential of the H1N1 virus, or swine flu.

Parishioners are not bound by any obligation to attend Mass on Sunday if they are sick or have been exposed to the flu. They should return to church only when they are well.

V  The exchange of the sign of peace is to be offered without any physical contact.

The “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” (no. 155) describes the exchange of the sign of peace. When the priest celebrant extends the invitation to exchange the sign of peace, the faithful should be instructed previously that, instead of a handshake, the manner could include a bow to the persons nearby.

In an announcement for parish use, Bishop Brandt wrote that the “Catholic bishops of Pennsylvania encourage the clergy and faithful to observe the necessary standard precautions to protect the health of others during this flu season, and especially with the risks related to H1N1 influenza.”

The directives are effective in the Diocese of Greensburg until determined otherwise by Bishop Brandt.